Stordes o
the Master Teacher
SECOND QUARTER, 1970
Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher who
ever lived. He was the righteous One. His
character added weight to His ideas and
ideals. He could say, Do as I do, as well as,
Do as I tell you.
Jesus Christ presented deeper and more
exalted teachings than has any other man.
And most of His teachings are in parables.
Some declare that parables should not be
used to teach doctrines. Christ, however,
used parables exclusively for this purpose.
"Parable teaching was popular, and com-
manded the respect and attention, not only
of the Jews, but of the people of other
nations. No more effective method of in-
struction could He have employed."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 21.
Parables are pleasant to listen to and
simple to remember. "In parables and com-
parisons He found the best method of
communicating divine truth. In simple lan-
guage, using figures and illustrations drawn
from the natural world, He opened spiritual
truth to His hearers, and gave expression to
precious principles that would have passed
from their minds, and left scarcely a trace,
had He not connected His words with stir-
ring scenes of life, experience, or nature."
—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page 236.
This quarter we are to study these stories
of the Master Teacher. They have been
grouped under thirteen general topics. Many
other groupings have been made through
the centuries. But in the arrangement se-
lected their teachings cover the seeking love
of God and the concern our Father shows
for His wandering children. Man's indiffer-
ence to His solicitude is clearly shown. But
God believes people can change and so
gives every man a chance. Satan, on the
other hand, is constantly laying his booby
traps for the unwary whose very nature is
4
their worst enemy. But our Father wishes
us to ask for His help at every juncture,
suggesting we turn from weakness to accept
His strength. The last four lessons look
forward to the end of the road. Vigilance,
faithfulness, and accepting His program will
make the payoff pay !
And now a word about studying these
lessons. You will find a text for each day,
with further texts covering the area of in-
vestigation more adequately. For lack of
space we did not print them out in full.
Read the entire section and note each key
word in the parable. The questions in the
body of material in your study guide will
call attention to important truths. Look
the important words up in your concor-
dance and find other Biblical references. Do
the same with the writings of Ellen G.
White by using the Scriptural and Topical
sections of the three-volume
Index
to her
writings. When you have found the mean-
ing of each word, fill in the mosaic of truth.
Always allow Inspiration to be its own in-
terpreter. When you have done this, tell the
parable in your own words. The thought
questions will direct your study inward and
will help you to apply Christ's teaching to
your own life. This, of course, is the main
purpose in studying His parables.
At the end of the week think of the titles
for the week's parables and see how they all
fit together and round out the picture sug-
gested by the general caption. You will find
that the last page of your study guide con-
tains some interesting questions. Answer
these, and compare your answers with the
Bible.
And now may our blessed Lord, through
the inspiration of His good Spirit, aid your
study and clarify your mind and bless your
life as you continue to study THE STOR-
IES OF THE MASTER TEACHER.